WOMEN IN TECH BLOG SERIES: BREAKING STEREOTYPES AND IGNORING UNNECESSARY ADVICE: DON'T LET OTHERS IDEA OF SUCCESS DEFINE YOU
Written By: Danielle Riley, Senior Channel Manager, Immersive Labs
Danielle Riley is a Senior Channel Manager for Immersive Labs, working with partners to help business leaders drive Cyber Workforce Resilience within their organization. Danielle has spent over 15 years in cybersecurity and has held previous roles at various resellers and VARS and the last few working for MEND and Veracode. Danielle graduated from University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
For two decades, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving cyber security industry as a woman. Along the way, I’ve encountered challenges, including stereotypes and unsolicited advice. One such piece of advice was to start playing golf to excel as a sales executive. However, I chose to defy such expectations and carve my own path to success. Through my personal journey, I’ve learned the importance of authenticity and building resilience by breaking barriers.
Embracing Authenticity Over Conformity:
From the outset of my career, I was met with societal expectations and stereotypes about what it means to succeed in cybersecurity as a woman. One prevailing notion was that I needed to assimilate into traditionally male-dominated activities, like golf, to fit in and advance my career. However, I quickly realized that conforming to these ideas would compromise my ideals.
Instead of conforming, I embraced my unique skills, perspectives, and interests. I focused on honing my technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills. By staying true to myself, I not only gained respect within the industry but also became a role model for other women aspiring to enter the field.
Building Confidence:
Throughout my journey, I encountered numerous setbacks and obstacles. Whether it was facing gender bias, doubters, or imposter syndrome. Instead of allowing these challenges to deter me, I used them as fuel to propel myself forward and build confidence.
I sought out mentors and allies who believed in my abilities. I embraced continuous learning, staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies in cybersecurity. By remaining resilient in the face of adversity, I not only overcame obstacles, but also thrived in an industry that often tests one’s resolve.
The Power of Defying Expectations:
One of the most liberating decisions I made was to ignore the conventional advice dispensed to women in cybersecurity. Instead of conforming to outdated stereotypes, I embraced my individuality and pursued my passions with unwavering determination.
While some may have viewed my refusal to engage in male-dominated activities as a hindrance, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and pave my own path. By prioritizing authenticity over conformity, I not only achieved success but also contributed to a more inclusive and diverse industry. Today, cybersecurity is full of people who defy the stereotypes of what a corporate employee looks like or what role they have.
As I reflect on my 20-year journey in cyber security as a woman, I’m reminded of the importance of authenticity, resilience, and defiance in breaking barriers. While the road may have been paved with challenges and skepticism, staying true to myself ultimately led to success.
To all the aspiring women in cybersecurity, remember that your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Embrace your individuality, defy expectations, and never be afraid to challenge the status quo. Together, we can continue to shape a future where diversity is celebrated, and gender is no longer a barrier to success in cyber security.